Banten Provincial Government Appreciates Workers for Conducting "May Day" Peacefully

The Banten Provincial Government has appreciated all parties, particularly workers, for conducting the International Labour Day (May Day) commemoration in 2026 in a safe, orderly, and conducive manner. “We certainly appreciate everyone. This year’s May Day commemoration ran smoothly,” said the Head of the Manpower and Transmigration Office (Disnakertrans) of Banten Province, Septo Kalnadi, in Serang on Sunday. He stated that such conditions are very much needed to maintain stability and the economic climate in the region. Moreover, the Labour Day activities were filled with various positive initiatives that directly benefit both the community and the workers themselves. Septo mentioned that this year’s May Day commemoration in Banten Province was held across various districts with diverse activities such as social services, fishing competitions, and entertainment. “At the peak on 1 May, some worker friends attended the main event in Jakarta. Others today, such as in the Modern Cikande area of Serang Regency,” said Septo. Meanwhile, Banten Governor Andra Soni is committed to resolving issues of recruitment malpractices. He promised to take firm action against such practices, as it is part of his leadership pledge as the top official in Banten. “Malpractice is a crime. We, together with the Banten Police Chief, agree to jointly take action against anyone involved,” said Andra Soni while attending the 2026 May Day event organised by the Alliance of Trade Unions of Workers’ Unions (ASPSB) of Serang Regency at the PT Samator field in the Modern Cikande area on Sunday (3/5). According to Andra Soni, labour recruitment malpractices pose a particular challenge, especially in terms of proof. However, the practice is an issue that frequently arises in society. Therefore, he called for participation from all stakeholders to report any observed malpractices in worker recruitment. Andra Soni stated that for the entire community, if they find malpractices, they should immediately report to law enforcement agencies (APH) for prompt action. Complaints from the public are a shared responsibility to be followed up. Therefore, Andra Soni wants all parties, including the Banten Police and the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, as well as the Serang Regency Government, to provide a sense of justice to all Banten residents in obtaining good and decent job opportunities. Malpractice must be stopped, even though it does not stand alone and is suspected to involve many parties. In addition to malpractices, Andra Soni is also committed to following up on several recommendations delivered by President Prabowo Subianto during the peak May Day commemoration in Jakarta. Those recommendations align with the authority held by the Banten Provincial Government. At the same venue, Serang Regent Ratu Rachmatuzakiyah also appreciated the May Day commemoration being conducted with positive activities. A maintained industrial and labour climate can attract investment and increase worker absorption. “We already have a decree for the Anti-Gratuity Task Force and have taken action on several cases. In the future, this must be intensified to minimise malpractices during worker recruitment. I ask for supervision from the entire community,” she said. Banten Police Chief Inspector General Pol Hengki, who attended the May Day commemoration, emphasised the importance of maintaining solidarity and unity among all elements, including workers, entrepreneurs, and government, as the foundation for creating harmonious industrial relations. “Through this event, we can see the strong spirit of solidarity, togetherness, and unity among all elements. The well-established synergy is the important foundation in creating harmonious, fair, and sustainable industrial relations,” he said. He appreciated all parties for keeping the situation safe and conducive during the May Day commemoration. According to him, this condition reflects collective maturity in maintaining regional stability. Meanwhile, Chairman of ASPSB Serang Regency Asep Saefullah took the opportunity to urge the Local Government (Pemda) to seriously take action against malpractices and gratuities that often occur during worker recruitment in various industries. This practice is disturbing and has been ongoing for quite some time, involving both internal and external parties. Therefore, at that May Day moment, he directly requested each regional head to seriously carry out enforcement. “They are in many industrial sectors,” he said firmly.